Trucks, SUVs drag down automakers
A 25 percent decline in sales of light trucks and sport-utility vehicles in July dragged the auto industry to one of its weakest months on record, with Friday's results providing more evidence that 2008 could be among the worst years ever.

Jobless rate climbs to 5.7 percent
NEW YORK -- The country's employment picture darkened further last month as employers trimmed their payrolls for the seventh straight month and the unemployment rate climbed to 5.7 percent, its highest level in more than four years.

More shoppers turn to store brands
THE TREND: Economy-pinched shoppers who want to cut spending still need to buy groceries and household items, so they are increasingly trying lower-priced store brands.

Young people hit hard by unemployment
MELVILLE, N.Y. -- The employment rate among teenagers has fallen to its lowest on record, bucking some economists' expectations that young people would fare better in a downturn, says a Hofstra University expert.

Business Briefs
Bob Houssami of Coggin Honda in St. Augustine has been awarded the Gold Master of Sales Leadership award for the second consecutive year by American Honda for his superior product knowledge and customer satisfaction.

Congress approves sweeping product-safety legislation
Enrique Barajas was poking around the little shops of the Toy District in downtown Los Angeles the other day with his 4-year-old daughter and 1-year-old son. The store shelves were packed with inexpensive imports, mostly from China.

Healy-Uberuage
Heather Anne Healy and Mark Christian Uberuage were united in marriage March 29 during a 7 p.m. double ring ceremony performed at the Cathedral-Basilica of St. Augustine by Father Shamus O'Flynn.

Czipo-Hudson
The engagement and approaching marriage of Janet Michelle Czipo and Jason Michael Hudson, Honolulu, Hawaii, are announced by her parents, Steve Czipo and Barbara Czipo, both of St. Augustine.

Roberts-Greene
Laura Bliss Roberts and Dustin Allan Greene exchanged wedding vows May 3 during a 6 p.m. double ring ceremony performed by the Rev. James Walker at the Fountain Courtyard at The Palencia Club.

Jewett-Lichtenberger
Douglas and Sharon Jewett, Jensen Beach, announce the approaching marriage of their daughter, Melissa Ann, Jensen Beach, to David Charles Lichtenberger, St. Augustine, son of Chuck and Janet Lichtenberger, Stuart.

MacDonald-Bailey
The Agustin Inn was the setting at 3 p.m. July 8 for the marriage of Lucinda Lavonne Lamb MacDonald and Jason David Bailey. Betty Crosby, notary, officiated at the double ring nuptials.

Hamilton-Dalton
Diane Hamilton and Kevin Ira Dalton were united in marriage during a 7 p.m. July 19 double ring ceremony performed at the Agustin Inn by Betty Crosby, notary.

Baker-Belding
Rob and Denise Baker, St. Augustine, announce the engagement of their daughter, Kelly Marie, to Benjamin Richard Belding, St. Augustine, son of Nancy and Mike Ste. Marie, St. Augustine, and John and Mary Belding, Harrison, Me.

Filming of 'The Year of Easter' continues
St. Augustine has gone Hollywood for the filming of "The Year of Easter," an independent film being shot in a number of locations around town, including Summer Haven and Lincolnville. Rice Productions LLC says that approximately 60 percent of the filming has been completed and the company hopes to wrap up the production by the end of this month.

Parker gives presentation
The Island House at the Princess Place Preserve was the setting last Saturday for Susan R. Parker's presentation, "Unrest Along the River: Cattle and Chaos."

Leave well enough alone well enough alone?
Q: My husband read our 7-year-old daughter's composition book that she had been using as a diary and became upset at some of the things she had written: loving a boy, wishing her sister had died (she was a very ill preemie), hating life without her cousin around, and several curse words written in isolation. My response was that her private thoughts at this age don't really mean anything and that she was just exploring her feelings, but he thinks I should confront her and talk about these issues. What is the right thing to do here?

Chasing Spirits in the Ancient City
As far as I'm concerned there's only one way to see a ghost: In a bar. Before you call me crazy, a drunk or both, let me explain. If you're not hip on St. Augustine's ghost tours there's one in particular you should check out.

Staycations cut down on visitors
Having lived in Florida many years now we don't get the company from the north we used to get. And with this new "staycation" thing we're even safer.

FCTC cooking camps give kids experience in kitchen
This summer many area children had the opportunity to focus on delicious, healthful eating habits and proper kitchen techniques during First Coast Technical College's cooking camps. A hands-on experience, campers enjoyed all the foods they made in a safe environment.

Author of popular science books to speak at Ponte Vedra Library's Book Talk Cafe
David Bodanis, author of popular science books, including the highly acclaimed "E=mc: A Biography of the World's Most Famous Equation and Electric Universe," will be the guest speaker at 6 p.m. Tuesday at a meeting of the Friends of the Ponte Vedra Library's Book Talk Cafe program. The program is free and open to the public.

Snoop Dogg crew arrested
DALLAS -- A tour bus carrying hip-hop artist Snoop Dogg was pulled over and two people were arrested on marijuana possession charges Thursday a few hours before a concert, a spokesman for the Texas Department of Public Safety said.

Lohan sees red after 'gay' remark
Lindsay Lohan said Friday police have no business getting involved in her personal life, a day after the police chief explained the paparazzi were no longer an issue -- in part because the 22-year-old actress had evidently "gone gay."

Napa Valley winery aims to change the world
You've got to like a winery whose mission is to "make a positive impact on the world through wine." Of course, those would only be words without a commitment from the operators of Flora Springs Winery and Vineyards in California's Napa Valley.

Maxi dress proves comfy and pretty
NEW YORK -- Beautiful, gorgeous and fabulous are words no one has ever used to describe my usual weekend outfit. But those were some of the comments I got wearing a maxi dress on a recent Saturday.

Whose corner are you in?
RICHMOND, Va. -- Political T-shirts -- particularly those supporting presumed Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama -- are emerging in a big way this season, transformed from the uniform of campaign workers to a definitive statement of youthful, progressive cool.

Fashion show at Marsh Creek sure to sparkle
The monthly luncheon fashion shows continue at Marsh Creek Country Club under the direction of Lynn Anderson, fashion coordinator. Each month there is a theme and a featured boutique or specialty store.

Garden microcosm ruled by an anole
As a child, I made lists starting with the universe and going down to the smallest corners of my own world. At night, stars were guides to the macrocosm of a universe I could explore only in imagination. During the day, I explored microcosms in my yard.

Q & A
Q. I have a small area that is currently sodded. The grass is struggling there and I want to replace it with a ground cover, most likely Asiatic jasmine. Do I have to rip out all the grass?

It's heating up at FCTC
St. Augustine and our surrounding area are known for a rich agricultural heritage where various crops have supported a productive farming community for generations. Of these products, a small pepper stands out as our major contribution -- the datil.

House Republicans demand votes on energy, drilling
WASHINGTON -- A rebellious group of House Republicans staged a dramatic and unusual revolt Friday over House inaction on energy policy, refusing to leave the House floor for more than five hours after the chamber adjourned for the summer.

First Priority Bank in Bradenton closes
NEW YORK (AP) -- The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. said Friday it has taken control of the First Priority Bank of Bradenton, Fla., and that SunTrust Banks Inc. will assume the bank's deposits.

Arkansas man buys Honus Wagner baseball card for $1.62 million
CHICAGO (AP) -- An Arkansas man bought a 1909 Honus Wagner baseball card for $1.62 million at a memorabilia auction in Chicago, a sports auction company said Saturday. The record price for a baseball card is $2.8 million -- paid in 2007 for a near-mint condition Wagner card released in 1909 by the American Tobacco Company.

Anthrax timeline
2001 -- October: Anthrax is mailed to lawmakers on Capitol Hill and news media in New York and Florida. By November, five people are dead and 17 others sickened.

CDC underestimates U.S. AIDS infections
Federal officials have been underestimating the number of new AIDS infections in the United States by 40 percent every year for more than a decade, researchers said Saturday.

Bryan reports his signs stolen
A candidate for a St. Johns County Commission seat has reported to the police that last week's tampering with his campaign signs was racially charged.

Girl falls 14 stories in chimney, survives
NEW YORK -- A 12-year-old girl fell into a chimney on the roof of her apartment building, plummeted 14 stories down the flue and landed almost unscathed in a pile of furnace soot.

Prosecutors consider closing anthrax case
WASHINGTON -- Answers to one of the nation's most high-profile unsolved mysteries are in documents that could be released as early as this week -- and help explain how the government chased the wrong suspect for years.

Maine library offers garden tools
TURNER, Maine -- Borrowers at the Turner Public Library can choose from a large selection of gardening books -- and more than a dozen hand tools to carry out their chosen projects.

Kidnapped girl found in Baltimore
BALTIMORE -- A man accused of kidnapping his 7-year-old daughter during a supervised visit in Boston last weekend was arrested Saturday in Baltimore and the girl was found safe, authorities said.

Obama agrees to 3 debates
WASHINGTON -- Democratic candidate Barack Obama on Saturday backed away from rival John McCain's challenge for a series of joint appearances, agreeing only to the standard three debates in the fall.

Searching for used ordnance
SWITZERLAND -- Growing up on the St. Johns River, Lori Mazza remembers the sounds of airplanes roaring down the waterway on their bombing runs. Less than a quarter mile away from the childhood home she still occupies today, Navy bombers would take aim on targets at the site located on what was then Bombing Range Road.

Storm evac is too slow
The state standard for evacuating a coastal county is 16 hours or less if a Category 4 or 5 hurricane approaches.

Bryan reports his signs stolen
A candidate for a St. Johns County Commission seat has reported to the police that last week's tampering with his campaign signs was racially charged.

Milking A Skim
Despite the lousy surf and inclement weather, Benji Lucas is able to catch some air during the 2008 Florida Skimboard Pro/Am event at Vilano Beach on Saturday. The three-day event ends tomorrow. By DARON DEAN, daron.dean@staugustine.com

Janet M. Burnett
Janet M. Burnett, 76, passed away suddenly at her home on July 31, 2008. Janet was a lifelong resident of Cincinnati and moved to St. Augustine seven years ago. She was an active member of St. Anastasia Catholic Church and a volunteer at Flagler Hospital.

Josephine "Gina" Versaggi Spiller
Josephine "Gina" Versaggi Spiller, 92, of St. Augustine, died Aug. 2, 2008, at Samantha Wilson Care Center at Bay View. She was born in Fernandina Beach in 1915 and moved to St Augustine at age 9. She attended St. Joseph Academy. She was very active in the Roman Catholic Church and the community.

Barbara Ann Williams
Barbara Ann Williams, 64, of St. Augustine, died Aug. 2, 2008, at the Earl B. Hadlow Center for Caring in Jacksonville. She was born in Palatka and had resided in St. Augustine for the past 40 years. Barbara worked for Wal-Mart as a department manager and associate for 23 years. She helped open the St. Augustine store, where she worked for 20 years, and she also worked three years at the Wal-Mart in Christiansburg, Va. She was a member of Moultrie Baptist Church.

Eugene Powers
Eugene Powers, 54, of Green Cove Springs, died July 31, 2008. He was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., and had resided in Green Cove Springs for the past 17 years. He was a member of the U.S. Army and served in Operation Desert Storm. Mr. Powers was an owner and CEO of Wind Dancer Aviation Inc.

Donald E. Cummings
Donald E. Cummings, 70, passed away of a short illness on July 29, 2008. He is predeceased by his mother, Mary Agnes Creasey, and four siblings, Jim Cummings, Susie Creasey, Mary Creasey and Virginia Kent.

Robert D. "Bob" Cooksey
Robert D. "Bob" Cooksey, of St. Augustine, passed away peacefully on Aug. 1, 2008, at Flagler Hospital. He was a native and lifelong resident of St. Augustine, having graduated from Ketterlinus High School. He later attended the University of Florida and was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army. Prior to retirement, he worked for many years with his brother Ed and family members at Cooksey's Camping Resort. He was a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Nothing was more important to him than spending time with his family.

Patrick L. Grady
Patrick L. Grady, 61, of St. Augustine, died July 30, 2008, at his home. He is survived by his loving companion of 11 years, Kathy Nixon, of St. Augustine. He is also survived by his five children, three brothers, a sister, 13 grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

4-H awards banquet staged
The St. Johns County 4-H youth development program's annual end-of-the-year awards banquet drew a full house to celebrate the accomplishments of local 4-H youth. Nearly 200 4-H families, friends and community leaders attended this year's banquet to recognize youth for their 4-H project work and participation in 4-H activities. The dinner included fried chicken provided by the 4-H office and an assortment of potluck dishes provided by 4-H families.

Project work honors
4-H youth recognized for 4-H project work, 4-H participation and number of years enrolled in 4-H are as follows:

Honors for Team Florida gymnasts
Chloe Petito received first place gold on vault, fifth on balance beam and third on uneven bars, floor exercise and all-around.

Photographer's Gallery
A collection of images by local photographer John Alison. Alison, who is also a local musician, has been photographing nature since he was 14.

Nease JROTC sets graduation program
Nease NJROTC is conducting basic cadet training for incoming freshmen and transferring cadets. This program is offered to all incoming cadets to prepare them for the upcoming year and introduce them to the program at Nease. There are 25 cadets attending the program, and there are more than that signed up as newcomers to the program for the year.

Kids learn all about flora and fauna
St. Johns County youngsters ages 7 to 13 learned all about Florida's flora and fauna last month during the 4-H Flora and Fauna Camp held at the St. Johns County Agricultural Center.

Teen financial series at Bartram library
The St. Johns County Public Library System is teaming up with local organizations to offer a free teen financial literacy series. Seminars will be held at the Bartram Trail Branch Library from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Aug. 11 and 12.

South Woods Eagles raise relay money
The students of South Woods Elementary School not only know how to raise test scores -- the South Wood Eagles soared when given the opportunity to raise money for their Relay for Life team.

FCTC accepting enrollment
First Coast Technical College announces it is accepting enrollment for the fall term with classes beginning Aug. 25. Complete training in one of more than 40 programs is available in St. Johns and Putnam counties. Tuition assistance is available for those who qualify. Make an appointment to review financial aid eligibility. For information, call 824-4401 or go to www.fcti.org.

Art on the go
Holiday Inn at St. Augustine Beach is partnering with local art teacher Jamie Bernstein to provide summer activities for St. Augustine children and out-of-town guests who stay at the Holiday Inn.

Local gymnasts come home with 58 medals
Local gymnasts earned numerous medals after competing in the Amateur Athletic Union's 2008 AAU Age Group National Championship held at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando in July. Seventeen girls from Island Gymnastics competing as "Team Florida" in the nationals won 58 medals for individual events and all-around places.

Seniors, others receive recognition
The St. Johns County Hippology Team, composed of Ashley Colee, Adriana Dail, Allie Anderson, Kacey Anderson and Sarah Colee, was recognized for placing fourth in horse judging at the Florida State Fair. The St. Johns County Intermediate Hippology team of Sarah Colee, Allie Anderson, Casey Parella and Kacey Anderson placed first at the state contest, and the Senior St. Johns County Hippology team, Ashley Colee, Adriana Dale and Julianna Ruggeri were first at the State Hippology Contest. This senior team advanced to the national competition in Lexington, Va.

Four earn Hammond scholarships
Four St. Augustine students were honored recently when they received $2,500 scholarships from the Verle and Eleanor Hammond Foundation.

Who wants to know?
The tabloid story that everybody's talking about -- but almost no one is writing about -- has created an interesting debate on the Internet about the dueling roles of old/new media and what constitutes legitimate news.

Charter proposal bad for business growth
Soaring costs of fuel and food have everyone concerned about their budget. The state of the economy makes headlines daily. Yet no one seems to be asking the question, "How will charter government affect our checkbook?"

Vote no on charter
St. Johns County voters will decide on Aug. 26 if they want a home rule government by local charter rather than remain under a state constitution driven form of government.

No time for dithering
Another paradise day in our old river town and we linger over supper in the backyard and talk about the dry weather and bats (Do they eat three thousand mosquitoes per night? No, says the family biologist.) and cousin Bruce's truck farm besieged by suburban yards and of course Barack's audacious trip to Iraq and Europe, meanwhile the sun goes down and little candles come out and a fresh pot of green tea and nobody feels the urge to get up and go. We are taciturn people, but give us a paradise night, balmy, a slight breeze stirring, candles burning, and we are on the verge of vast intimate revelations -- "I became a writer as a way of drawing attention to myself. I admit it. It had nothing to do with truth and beauty. It always was about Me! Always!" -- and I realize it's my duty as host to say "Well ..." and stand up and start clearing the table, otherwise we might stay too long and say too much.

Letter: Charter debate reaffirms support
Editor: The League of Women Voters and The St. Augustine Record presented a debate on Charter Government on July 15. The thought, energy, and time that has gone into forming this proposed charter represents a countywide commitment, by a broad range of differing citizens, to improve the structure and function of our local government.

Community can help solve the school budget crisis
As a professional Florida educator and St. Johns County educator with more than 35 years of teaching and administrative experience, I believe that St. Johns County School Board's growing fiscal crisis presents a great opportunity for this community to come together and to provide effective solutions. This can be done with a common vision, goals and objectives to solve current and future fiscal problems and to work towards making certain that all needed resources are available for our students.

Letter: Better labelling needed for food
Editor: We have labels that tell us where our clothes, electronics, toys, dishes, and even our cars are made. So, why don't we have labels to know where our fruit, vegetables, and meat are from?

Libraries haven't missed a beat
When the St. Johns County Public Libraries went on a new schedule because of cutbacks in county revenue, officials worried about public reaction to changes in hours and days.

Charter would give people power
Why vote for the charter form of government in St. Johns County on the Aug. 26 primary ballot? As Ginger Delegal of the Florida Association of Counties said, charter gives the people of St. Johns County ultimate authority over their local government.

Local Watch
Flagler College softball coach Kristen Atkinson announced the completion of her inaugural recruiting class Friday afternoon. A total of 16 players comprise the initial recruiting class for the 2009 season.Atkinson added nine more to her inaugural class, including seven transfers and two incoming freshmen. Samantha Boatner (Auburndale/Polk CC), Katherine Cabrera (Hialeah/Miami-Dade College), Cheryl Falconer (Halifax, N.S./Polk CC), Brittney Hatem (Hialeah/Wallace CC-Dothan), Andrea Hay (Land O' Lakes/Polk CC), Heather Hill (Palm Beach Gardens/Indian River CC) and Brittany Simmons (Ocala/Chattanooga State Tech CC) transfer to Flagler while Lauren Ely (Winter Springs/Winter Springs HS) and Kirsten Immel (Ocala/Vanguard HS) enter as freshmen. Flagler will field its first fastpitch softball team starting in the fall, and the first games will be in February of 2009.

Golf: Mickelson, Singh, Westwood tied at Firestone
AKRON, Ohio -- Phil Mickelson has won 35 times around the world, starting with a PGA Tour event when he was still in college. His collection includes three major championships, and he is solidly entrenched at No. 2 in the world rankings.

NFL: Jags LB Peterson wants new contract
JACKSONVILLE -- Jaguars linebacker Mike Peterson started talking a little smack the second that coach Jack Del Rio called for the first goal-line drill of training camp.

Favre could get paid to stay off the field
GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Brett Favre's reinstatement to the NFL was held up again Friday as the three-time MVP mulled getting paid not to play through a marketing deal with the Green Bay Packers that could resolve the standoff over his retirement.

Sabathia leads Brewers
ATLANTA -- CC Sabathia pitched deep into the game in another terrific outing for Milwaukee and Prince Fielder hit two home runs Saturday, leading the Brewers to a 4-2 victory over the Atlanta Braves.

Local Watch 2
Former Nease golfer Catherine O'Donnell is tied for fourth (girls 16-18 division) after Saturday's third round of the Optimist International Junior Golf Championships at PGA National Resort and Spa in Palm Beach Gardens. O'Donnell had a 2-over 74 in the third round and is currently five shots off the lead. ...

Golf: Singh just ahead of Mickelson
AKRON, Ohio -- Without the world's No. 1 player around, Vijay Singh and Phil Mickelson brought some star power Friday to the final World Golf Championship of the year.

Gators already have attention of 'Canes
CORAL GABLES -- That "one game at a time" cliche didn't exactly hold true in the Miami weight room this offseason. A glance at the Hurricanes' early schedule explains why.

Marve finally healthy enough to play
CORAL GABLES -- The last time Miami quarterback Robert Marve threw a pass in a real football game was more than 600 days ago, and it was a moment he'll never forget.

McCain talks about vouchers
ORLANDO -- Sen. John McCain blasted his Democratic rival, Sen. Barack Obama, on Friday for his approaches to education and economic development, accusing him of ignoring the needs of African-Americans and their children.

Disney ticket prices to rise
As if rising gas and food prices weren't enough, a ticket to the Magic Kingdom will soon cost a few bucks more.

No TV, video games for girls who trashed home
NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Chick-fil-A restaurant founder S. Truett Cathy has decided two girls accused of causing $30,000 in damage to his home should be punished with a writing assignment instead of charges.

Obama shifts on oil drilling
ORLANDO -- Barack Obama on Friday softened his long-standing opposition to expanded oil drilling in the Gulf of Mexico, expressing support for a fledgling energy plan that would allow oil rigs as close as 50 miles from Florida's west coast.

Florida homebuilders hear both sides of tax swap proposal
ORLANDO -- Florida's homebuilders were told Saturday that a proposal to slash property taxes raised for schools in exchange for other new revenue will boost home sales and help an industry that's suffering through an economic downturn. And they were also told the proposal won't be worth it because they'll be paying more taxes on materials and services.

New school spending plan comes up for vote
TALLAHASSEE -- Conservatives and libertarians nationwide tout the "65 percent solution," an enticing, simple -- and some say deceptive -- school budgeting concept, as a way to increase classroom spending without raising taxes.

Lawsuit: Sugar deal violated Sunshine Law
MIAMI -- Florida's proposal to acquire 300 square miles of Everglades land from U.S. Sugar Corp. was illegally brokered in closed-door meetings, an attorney claimed in a lawsuit filed Friday.

Transportation Secretary visiting Miami
MIAMI -- Speaking on the one year anniversary of the Minneapolis bridge collapse that killed 13 people, the nation's top transportation official said the nation's infrastructure is slowly improving.

If you go to St. George Lighthouse...
Located on St. George Island in the Panhandle region known as Forgotten Coast. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, closed Wednesdays. Visitors can climb the lighthouse after steps are rebuilt, expected to be before summer ends.

O say, can you see...
Friday was Francis Scott Key's birthday. What better time to visit Fort McHenry in Maryland and learn about the battle that inspired Key to write the words to "The Star-Spangled Banner?"

Florida lighthouse lost to sea stands again
ST. GEORGE ISLAND -- Bruce Robie was in the Florida Panhandle on business four years ago when he made a side trip to visit Cape St. George Light, knowing he might not get a chance to see it again.

5 NATO troops killed; groups warn about Afghan aid
KABUL, Afghanistan -- Roadside bombs killed five NATO soldiers and a civilian in eastern Afghanistan on Friday, while a coalition of aid groups warned violence is spreading and forcing them to scale back humanitarian work.

Obsolete coins cause chaos at Zimbabwe tills
HARARE, Zimbabwe -- Zimbabweans dug out coins squirreled away years ago in jars and cupboards and headed for the shops, where lines built up as overburdened tellers more accustomed to counting mounds of hyper-inflated dollar notes instead were juggling silver.

Taliban denies al-Qaida No. 2 hit by missile
PESHAWAR, Pakistan -- A Taliban spokesman in Pakistan denied on Saturday a U.S. media report that al-Qaida No. 2 Ayman al-Zawahri may have been killed or critically injured in a missile strike.